St. Mary's County commissioner urges protecting AAA bond rating as county plans major capital projects

A St. Mary's County commissioner said the county should protect its AAA bond rating and fund balance as it prepares for major capital projects, including replacing the sheriff's temporary offices and a large school project at Chopticon High School.

The commissioner told fellow commissioners that most of the bond request under consideration will be used by “those two projects alone,” and said the county's strong fund balance helped it secure a AAA rating that will save “millions in future bond sales.” The commissioner added that a rating agency had recommended holding twice the present fund balance.

The commissioner also criticized the county's state legislative delegation, saying, “I don't understand why they can't see that,” and invited them to speak with county officials if they had questions about the budget and fund balance management.

The remarks also noted recent community visits: the commissioner attended the Ridge Volunteer Fire Department officer installation and dinner, met long-time local volunteers, thanked the Leonardtown Rescue Squad for its service, and visited the Arc of Southern Maryland's new office south of Gate 2 on Route 235.

On facilities, the commissioner said the sheriff's office has been in temporary quarters since 1998 and that county staff will likely occupy that space once the sheriff moves to a new facility. The commissioner described county growth and the need to free up additional office space for other county departments.

On funding pressures, the commissioner observed that costs have risen sharply over the last four or five years and said the county's careful budget management and fund balance preservation contributed to its credit rating. There were no motions or votes on these topics recorded in the transcript.

The commissioner concluded by urging dialogue with the state delegation about the county's fiscal management and upcoming capital needs.